Synergistic effects of curcumin and its analogs with other bioactive compounds: A comprehensive review

Curcumin, as a natural compound, extracted from plant Curcuma longa, is abundant in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and have been used in a diverse array of pharmacological activities. Although curcumin has some limitations like low stability and low bioavailability, it has been proved that this compound induced apoptosis signaling and is also known to block cell proliferation signaling pathway. Recently, extensive research has been carried out to study the application of curcumin as a health improving agent, and devise new methods to overcome to the curcumin limitations and incorporate this functional ingredient into foods. Combinational chemotherapy is one of the basic strategies is using for 60 years for the treatment of various health problems like cancer, malaria, inflammation, diabetes and etc. Molecular hybridization is another strategy to make multi-pharmacophore or conjugated drugs with more synergistic effect than the parent compounds. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the pharmacological activity of curcumin and its analogs in combination with other bioactive compounds and cover more recent reports of anti-cancer, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory activities of these analogs. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Automated summary

Curcumin, a natural compound extracted from the plant Curcuma longa, is abundant in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and has been widely used in pharmacological activities. Despite some limitations, curcumin has been found to induce apoptosis signaling and block cell proliferation signaling pathways. Current research is focused on studying the health benefits of curcumin and developing methods to enhance its bioavailability, as well as incorporating it into food products. Combining chemotherapy and molecular hybridization are basic strategies used in the treatment of various health conditions.